Peace In Troubled Times ... by Dave Evans

BREAKING NEWS: More dead and injured in an epidemic of mass shootings; Crisis at the border; Furor, protests, and vandalism over Supreme Court decision on Roe vs. Wade; Coronavirus cases rising; Gas prices soaring; LGTBQ+ issues; Gender dysphoria; Inflation; Free speech under fire; Racial tensions; New Gallup Poll shows only 20% of Americans believe the Bible is the literal word of God; changing policies; general uncertainty…

These are some of the things happening to life as we have known it. Things and policies seem to be changing day-to-day. How can we be composed? How can we cope with our new “normal”? Can we, as Christians, even think of having peace as we navigate our changing landscape?

Consider another time of uncertainty when life, as it had been, would be drastically changed overnight. This was on the eve of the crucifixion of Jesus. Let’s take a look at what He said to His disciples that night.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)

These words that Jesus spoke to His disciples in the Upper Room the night before His crucifixion were the conclusion to the Upper Room discourse that begins in John chapter thirteen. Life, as the disciples had known it for over three years, was about to be drastically different. Judas Iscariot had already gone out to betray Jesus; Peter would soon deny Jesus, and the other disciples would all flee. Then, Jesus would be crucified and subsequently interred in a tomb.

He would be gone and they would have to live life without Him; but although they didn’t understand it at the time, He would still be with them, though not bodily.

In John 16:33, Jesus said He had told them things so that they might have peace in Him. What were some of those things He had spoken to them? Well, although comprehension would come later, He had told them He would be going away from them. Yet, He said He wouldn’t leave them orphans (John 14:18) but that He would come to them. This would be in the person of the Holy Spirit who would be sent to come and reside in their hearts and who would teach them and help them.

He foretold of the tribulation, distress, afflictions, and sorrows they would have in this world. He also told them of the power they would have in prayer when they asked the Father in His name. (John 16:23-24).

And He concluded by telling them that although they would have trials and sorrows here on earth, they could find peace in Him. They could do this because He was (would be) victorious over the world. So, believers, take heart, have courage, and experience peace in Jesus by trusting in Him, knowing He is the victor, the one who has overcome the world. Consider these words of commentary: “Christ’s victory is the objective reality which makes valid the inward gift of His peace.”

Dave Evans

Dave Evans recently retired from his career as an estimator for an electrical contractor, but still works part-time. He recently served as Body Care Pastor for a small church and previously taught at a local Bible College for several years. God led him to found and serve in several outreach ministries—a pet therapy ministry, visiting several skilled nursing facilities and retirement homes: a prayer booth on a local street corner to allow people in the community to stop by for prayer needs and an evangelism table, typically set up once a month at various malls or stores, which made Bibles, tracts, DVDs, and other Christian materials available free of charge to interested shoppers. Dave has a bachelor’s degree in business administration/management. As a writer, he has had many poems and articles published in various periodicals and books. And he’s been privileged to do volunteer work for a local police department.